Elegant heritage home
Hope House in Oranjezicht escorts you on a luxurious journey back in time with its age-old glamour and contemporary villa comforts, settled beneath Cape Town’s Table Mountain.
It’s apparent from the moment you and your clan arrive at Hope House, settled along the rambling slopes of Table Mountain, in the sublime suburb of Oranjezicht, that you’ve embarked on a grand journey of stately opulence. Baronial, with good bones will come to mind. As you grasp sight of the antique rose-coloured exterior of this hideaway in Cape Town. It might well be a passing reference to a duchess of some standing in society of the 1920’s, but it’s evidently embodied in its glorious architectural proportions, and what seem countless visual aspects from its setting; high on the suburban slopes of the Mother City.
It’ll be as if you have travelled here, to this majestic urban mansion, for its occupation entirely. Never mind the city, the beaches, the mountain, the world-class restaurants and the culture. It’s these living, dining, entertaining and reclining spaces that you wish to experience most. Down the long corridors, into the living rooms and libraries, out into the gardens and around every stoep. It’s here that you get to envisage that holiday unravelling to your travelling hearts’ content.
Hope House is the perfect city escape, yet only a swift drive from the best of Cape Town’s restaurants, galleries, boutiques and the harbour beyond. The house has three distinct levels; the lower floor is an entirely separate wing with two bedroom suites, private entrance, living and dining areas and a wine cellar. The ground floor living area is perfectly proportioned with both formal and informal dining areas.
Just off the main living area, an entertainment room has wide, comfortable settees to sprawl on and tell tales of the day. On the upper level, four bedrooms vie for the best views of the urban and natural landscape. These bedrooms all have their own distinct charm Рone has a balcony with caf̩ chairs and table for a secluded breakfast, another a delightful sun trap of a verandah.
Outside there are secluded garden areas that open up to a sky view of the mountain, and lovely little snoozing or reading spots to occupy at any point of the day. There’s a jacuzzi with a mountain view and a sheltered swimming pool a few steps from a glass-fronted conservatory that holds a gym and steam room. Everything beautifully manicured and considered, so that when the sun shines in one particular spot, the home will be infused with light. When the stars are out, and you’re gathered around the fire-pit, everything is intimately it up, adding more romance to that antique rose-coloured façade.
Opulence on another level
During your stay, there will be those moments when you leave the villa and head for the town’s attractions. Lapping up all that the Cape has to offer. But you’ll find it hard to leave Hope House. Surrounded by such luxury and comfort. The furnishings are an eclectic mix of 20th century antiques, modern classics and contemporary pieces, with a Scandinavian feel. Leather, linen, amber-toned wood, cool grey marble and brushed steel are drawn together to create wonderful asymmetrical focal points.
Every room features original works by South African and international artists and contemporary photographers. What gives Hope House its design foundation are the original oak floors, artfully matched with new oak laid in a chevron design with several contemporary rugs that define living areas within the spacious rooms. These spaces gently suggest what you might do here… talk, entertain, dine, read, and perhaps enjoy the Danish concept of hygge – simple, small, pleasurable moments.
What we love!
- The views of the leafy urban landscape and the mountain behind, from the garden. Spending time on the loungers beside the swimming pool.
- Enjoying an afternoon nap in the master suite. With the doors open and the mountain breeze wafting in, as the classical music pacifies you into a deep slumber.
- The gym and steam room in the outdoor conservatory. Hopping into the pool or the jacuzzi after your sessions.
- The property is ideal of multigenerational gatherings.
What you need to know…
- There’s no better way to experience Cape Town’s community-dwelling quarters than staying within the heart and soul of the city. Oranjezicht is only 5 minutes from the city centre, 5 minutes from the beach, and a hop away from some of the best restaurants, bars, boutiques, butchers, bakers, coffee-makers.
- The property is incredibly secure, with high-tech surveillance systems and neighbouring security teams. It is serviced daily with a full time housekeeper.
- If Hope House is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Cape Town.
Edited by Colleen Ogilvie